What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningRosa Gallica Flower Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCorn Gluten Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantPelargonium Graveolens Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Corn Gluten Amino Acids, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Sodium Polyglutamate, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCorn Gluten Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveRubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Corn Gluten Amino Acids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hexylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polyglutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract is is derived from colloidal oatmeal. Besides being a healthy breakfast, oats have many benefits in skincare too.
This ingredient helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin. The starches in colloidal oatmeal are able to bind water, keeping the skin hydrated.
The cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal help reduce inflammation. This can also help the skin feel softer.
Colloidal Oatmeal is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our skin from free-radical damage.
Oatmeal also contains beneficial compounds:
This ingredient is created by mixing grounded oatmeal and a liquid base.
Learn more about Avena Sativa Kernel ExtractBeta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract comes from the flowering chrysanthemum plant. These plants are native to Asia.
This chrysanthemum has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains camphor, a fragranted wax.
We don't have a description for Corn Gluten Amino Acids yet.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract yet.
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract comes from the Rose Geranium plant. It has masking properties, meaning it is often used to cover an unpleasant scent from another ingredient.
Fragrant components of Rose Geranium include citronellol and geraniol. These may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity. s.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Β
Itβs often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWe don't have a description for Sodium Polyglutamate yet.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water